The countdown has started for Bangkok Fashion Week 2005, one of a series of events under the Bangkok Fashion City campaign, organised by the Industry Ministry. And this year there will be a royal presence on the catwalk. The event, scheduled to take place August 17-21 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, will kick off with HRH Princess Siriwanwaree, daughter of HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, presenting her own fashion designs on opening night.

The royal will present her own designs on the catwalk at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre this week.
Princess Siriwanwaree has revealed her fashion collection, entitled 'Viva Victorian 2005', was inspired by Martin Scorsese's hit movie 'Gangs of New York', which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz.

Her Majesty the Queen yesterday handed over Bt50,000 to the family of a defence volunteer killed in an explosion at a temple on Tuesday night.

On behalf of Her Majesty, Lt-General Weera Sinthuwonsa yesterday attended the funeral of Somchai Somsa-ad, who was the leader of a volunteer unit. Her Majesty sent her condolences and will also provide scholarships for Somchai’s three children until they complete their education, Weera said.

Treasures that languished in palace apartment give up secrets to researcher. After two centuries hidden away, a series of historic maps will be revealed to the public for the first time in January, when HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn displays the Treasures from a Royal Cupboard that show the war and trade routes of Siamese kings in the 19th century. It is not known for how long the 17 hand-drawn, hand-coloured cotton map rolls have been kept at the Grand Palace in the mansion of Princess Abbhantri Paja (1889-1935), a daughter of King Rama V, but Princess Sirindhorn discovered them in the Grand Palace’s inner royal court in 1996.

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE: The scope of royal power and constitutional rights

Published on August 22, 2005Thailand has a long history of democratic development, bumpy though it has been. In 1932, the absolute monarchy transformed into a constitutional monarchy. Since then, the monarchy has been a stabilising force for Thai politics and society. It has led without leading. HM the King’s words are sacrosanct. Dozens of books have been written on the topic.